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- 2010 Mazda5 GT
C&D: 2010 Mazdaspeed 3 vs. 2010 Volkswagen GTI - Comparison Tests
- Thread starter Hank3
- Start date
mbanshchikov
Member
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- 2010 Mazdaspeed 3 Sport
Good article. I always thought that the GTI was more refined than the mazdaspeed, with a little more attention to small details. Also, I myself was very displeased with the 2010 speed3 seats, compared to my old 08 speed. At the end of the day, however, it was about the performance for me and I feel like the speed is more of a car for enthusiasts vs the GTI.
Saskatchewan17
Member
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- 2008 TR Mazdaspeed 3
Good job on the GTI's part. I really love that car. Looks fantastic too... but in all honesty I would rather have the MS3... I just don't like it at all when Magazine writers gripe about torque steer and cars loose comparision tests because they are too powerful! Just lay off the right petal and all should be well.
I can, however, understand why the new gen MS3 lost to the new gen GTI... the GTI has improved (a damn sexy exterior and great new interior) while the MS3 has almost gotten worse (they quote it as having a worse interior and only "so-so" seats, not to mention the fact that it is UGLY! [IMO]). I'll take more power any day though.
I can, however, understand why the new gen MS3 lost to the new gen GTI... the GTI has improved (a damn sexy exterior and great new interior) while the MS3 has almost gotten worse (they quote it as having a worse interior and only "so-so" seats, not to mention the fact that it is UGLY! [IMO]). I'll take more power any day though.
oaklandopen
Member
totally agree with the article (minus the parts about torque steer in the mazda, and although i like the vw interior as a whole i still am not a plaid fan)
but seriously vw needs to make a damn change to that engine, it's been wayyyy too long. sure the cost stays down, but look at the other cars that it's supposed to run with: 263hp ms3, 260hp cobalt ss/tc, 300hp srt4, and you could even throw in there the wrx and lancer ralliart with their mid-200 hp marks.
i dunno, i've always liked the vws, but just like the sti and evo i have a problem with their overpriced performance models. i like the r32, but the price and rarity is just wayyyy too over-the-top for me. i like the gti as well, but at that price i ended up getting 60 more hp, and uber more torque.
but seriously vw needs to make a damn change to that engine, it's been wayyyy too long. sure the cost stays down, but look at the other cars that it's supposed to run with: 263hp ms3, 260hp cobalt ss/tc, 300hp srt4, and you could even throw in there the wrx and lancer ralliart with their mid-200 hp marks.
i dunno, i've always liked the vws, but just like the sti and evo i have a problem with their overpriced performance models. i like the r32, but the price and rarity is just wayyyy too over-the-top for me. i like the gti as well, but at that price i ended up getting 60 more hp, and uber more torque.
Its crazy how everyone hates on the grille... I haven't read one review of this car without hearing a bashing over the "Happy" front end. I do agree that the the interior pattern is a little "different" at first glance, but over a little time it grows on you. As for torque steer, its obviously there but it is manageable once you learn the car and gain a sixth sense for when its going to hit you. Besides that I have always loved the GTI, but at VW's asking price you should get more bang for your buck. I guess all I am trying to say is.... HATERS (piss)
I hate to admit it, but I am slightly disappointed with the new MS3's interior. C&D is right to say that lumbar support has diminished. And the interior silver trim is a bit of an eyesore IMO. It's still a fantastic car, and will probably win any other comparison test outside of the GTI.
DailyDriver
Member
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I agree daily driver! Though I believe the WRX is considerably quicker than the MS3. I have also read that the WRX base model has cheap interior and a horrible standard shifter, with a base price considerably high compared to the MS3. Also, the WRX hatch has so far been very hard to come by in the US im not sure if there was a production problem or what but every dealership I went to prior to picking up my 2010 MS3 had no WRX's on hand. As for the VW, way over priced for lack of balls (drinks)
BoostisLove
Member
I have driven both and can say that I am 100% glad i chose my ms3. When you buy a Volkswagen you get the German engineering. As opposed to the Japanese, the interior and build quality arent comparable. I'm a euro guy and looked to the GTI first.
I dont agree with theyre skidpads, i do not believe that in any way shape or form would the GTI pull a higher G than the Mazda.
Mazda has more power, cheaper repairs, good interior (better than the first gens in my opinion) and the hardware to go with it.
Mazda easy win.
I dont agree with theyre skidpads, i do not believe that in any way shape or form would the GTI pull a higher G than the Mazda.
Mazda has more power, cheaper repairs, good interior (better than the first gens in my opinion) and the hardware to go with it.
Mazda easy win.
^+1. If they had kept the original seats, the interior would be flawless, IMO. Well, 99% flawless at least. They got rid of the top center console tray in favor of the moveable armrest and an el cheapo detached plastic storage tray. I wish they could have found a way to keep the inside of the console exactly the same as the 1st gen's and somehow incorporate the moving armrest (which is one of my favorite features).
Stavesacre21
Member
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- 2010 Mazdaspeed3
GOOD GOSH will they EVER stop bashing on the interior?! For cryin out loud, the GTI has PLAID seats...and that's cool?
The GTI may have a little up on the MS6's interior, but it's obvious which one is pushing to be the more aggressive car. The MS6 clearly isn't shooting to be an average hatchback to haul kids to and fro with some groceries in the back. If so, maybe they would have put in a weak 200HP engine in it.
How bout those uncomfortable seats? Well, if i were swerving in and out through cones I don't wanna be flying all over my seat. Uncomfortable if you're comparing it to a Lincoln...perfect if your wanting to race it. It can't please every market. I find it very acceptable for daily driving
And my oh my...how could we EVER drive a car that has a *gasp* SMILE on the front of it. Enough with that already too.
Simple enough...one is a no-holds performance based hatch, one is a sporty hatch. If you're looking for one or the other, it'll be easy to decide.
The GTI may have a little up on the MS6's interior, but it's obvious which one is pushing to be the more aggressive car. The MS6 clearly isn't shooting to be an average hatchback to haul kids to and fro with some groceries in the back. If so, maybe they would have put in a weak 200HP engine in it.
How bout those uncomfortable seats? Well, if i were swerving in and out through cones I don't wanna be flying all over my seat. Uncomfortable if you're comparing it to a Lincoln...perfect if your wanting to race it. It can't please every market. I find it very acceptable for daily driving
And my oh my...how could we EVER drive a car that has a *gasp* SMILE on the front of it. Enough with that already too.
Simple enough...one is a no-holds performance based hatch, one is a sporty hatch. If you're looking for one or the other, it'll be easy to decide.
I think you meant MS3.
It does seem that C&D has a blatant bias towards the GTI. I don't really get their distaste for the MS3 interior either, when the GTI's is plaid. While I don't care for the MS3-exclusive red psychedelic pattern, at least it's a little more subtle than the GTI's plaid (and, like the exterior, looks better in person than in photos). I guess it's easier to accept the plaid because VW has been using it for decades, despite the fact that it looks like the pajamas I'll be wearing when I'm 70? I dunno...
I do agree with their assessment of the seats' comfort, however. I don't think the 2nd gen. seats (including the MZ3's) are nearly as nice or as comfortable as the 1st gen. The side bolstering is decent, but the seats feel pretty hard after a long drive, and I find myself adjusting the way I'm sitting pretty frequently. That's one of the first things I noticed when I first drove an '04 2.3 hatch--the seats just felt 'right' in every way. Then when I test drove an '08 Speed earlier this year, I was surprised to find that those seats felt even better.
I also don't like the material they used in the new Speed. Looks and feels cheap compared to the 1st gen's alcantara, and even the grey cloth in the '07-'08 GTs. The new seats aren't horrible, but I really think Mazda got it wrong this time around when they had such a fantastic seat previously.
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- '16 CX-9, '19 GTI
Hey, I turn 40 tomorrow! Guess I need to sell my MS3.
I debated back and forth between a '10 GTI and a '10 MS3. Both great cars in my view. I ended up w/ the MS3 b/c I was coming from a VW (Passat) and wanted something different, and b/c I wanted Mazda's superior reliability. As for the pros and cons, I love the MS3's interior except for the red-dotted pattern. Eventually, I plan to swap out the red-dotted dash panels for the plain metallic ones from a MZ3. The smiley face grille is growing on me. The MS3's power is outstanding. And I love the exhaust sound.
Patrick.
Silver Ecstasy
Member
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- 11 MS3 Sport
I went and test drove a 2010 VW GTI DSG the other day. Here's my thoughts:
-Seats are fantastic and hug you just right, it's a tiny bit better bolstering than the 2009's. The interior room is lovely. Fit my salesperson (6'3") and my service tech with comfort and we were able to all enjoy the test drive. The MS3 is on the tight side for sure (head room and leg room)
-The GTI is not as fast as the MS3 (obviously) but it's still peppy. The DSG is definitely addictive and quicker than the old fashioned 6-speed (manual is fun, but DSG is faster and better gas mileage). Launch Control is AWESOME! 3,000 rpms, let off brake and light those front tires up!!! Although, that open diff is sorta weird, the car was wandering left and right pretty hard core. It wasn't torque steer though, that's what so weird. The left and right front brakes were trying to slow down one or the other wheel to keep the car straight and it was wandering. And I almost forgot, the steering wheel is great. I'd literally want a wheel like that in my car. Felt solid and comfortable to handle.
All-in-all, for the price, the MS3 still wins, seriously. I started trying to come up with a payment and they were asking for over $500 a month. At that rate, STI/EVO here I come! I'm not paying $500 a month for that car, regardless of it's design or capability.
-Seats are fantastic and hug you just right, it's a tiny bit better bolstering than the 2009's. The interior room is lovely. Fit my salesperson (6'3") and my service tech with comfort and we were able to all enjoy the test drive. The MS3 is on the tight side for sure (head room and leg room)
-The GTI is not as fast as the MS3 (obviously) but it's still peppy. The DSG is definitely addictive and quicker than the old fashioned 6-speed (manual is fun, but DSG is faster and better gas mileage). Launch Control is AWESOME! 3,000 rpms, let off brake and light those front tires up!!! Although, that open diff is sorta weird, the car was wandering left and right pretty hard core. It wasn't torque steer though, that's what so weird. The left and right front brakes were trying to slow down one or the other wheel to keep the car straight and it was wandering. And I almost forgot, the steering wheel is great. I'd literally want a wheel like that in my car. Felt solid and comfortable to handle.
All-in-all, for the price, the MS3 still wins, seriously. I started trying to come up with a payment and they were asking for over $500 a month. At that rate, STI/EVO here I come! I'm not paying $500 a month for that car, regardless of it's design or capability.
DailyDriver
Member
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Silver Ecstasy
Member
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- 11 MS3 Sport
Like my dad always said.."There's a seat for every ass" LOL.
coololddude
Member
They are both great hatches. I like the MS3 because that is what I drive. If I drove a GTI I would think it was......An overpriced stinking Nazi car with a girlyman interior..Ooops, sorry my medication is wearing off!
The fact that the MS3 is still in the comparison stage has proved its worth. (Huh!!) You don't hear much about the Caliber SRT4, HHR, and that little chevie SS. I already forgot its name!
The fact that the MS3 is still in the comparison stage has proved its worth. (Huh!!) You don't hear much about the Caliber SRT4, HHR, and that little chevie SS. I already forgot its name!
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